Flossie and the Fox, by Patricia McKissack– A hilarious sory of how a little girl outsmarts a clever fox.

Frog and Toad All Year, by Arnold Lobel

Frog and Toad Are Friends, by Arnold Lobel

Frog and Toad Together, by Arnold Lobel

Horton Hatches the Egg, by Dr. Seus

It’s Fall! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser

It’s Spring! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser

It’s Winter! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser

It;s Summer! (Celebrate the Seasons), by Linda Glaser

Kissing Hand (The) , by Audrey Penn– This book has helped many a child through separation anxiety.

Lorax (The), by Dr. Seus– A great story for introducing the importance of caring for our planet.

Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey

Miss Rumphius, by Barbara Cooney– As a child Miss Rumphius is challenged to travel to far away places, and make the world more beautiful….

My First Chinese New Year, by Karen Katz

My Little Island, by Frane Lessac

One Smile, by Cindy McKinley

Orlando’s Littlewhile Friends, by Audrey Wood

Roxaboxen, by Barbara Cooney– The evolution of a vacant hillside into a marvelous play land of make believe.

Sam and the Tigers, by Julius Lester– Little Black Sambo retold. Little kids love the fearsome tigers and their demise into a pool of butter. This book is beautifully poetic.

Stone Soup. by Ann McGovern– A wonderful illustration of how a tiny bit can be stretched to plenty by way of sharing.

Swimmy, by Leo Lionni– A tiny fish uses problemsolving to overcome his fear of the world, and helps others to do the same.

The Party, by Barbara Reid– Reluctant participants discover the joys of a huge family gathering. This is one of our “birthday books”.

Thunder Cake, by Patricia Polacco– Grandmother distracts little girl from fear of thunder by involving her in great feats of bravery.

Too Many Pumpkins, by Linda White and Megan Lloyd

When Rain Falls, By Melissa Stewart– Beautifully illustrated book showing us where the wildlife go during a downpour.

Wild About Books, by Irma S. and James H. Black

Recommended Parenting Books

Great Family Movies

Simon Birch

People

Winged Migration

Walking With Dinosaurs

Microcosmos

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Babe

Harriet the Spy

Swiss Family Robinson

Sound of Music

Mary Poppins

ET The Extra Terrestrial

Fantasia

Milo and Otis

Benji the Hunted

Pay It Forward

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Oliver

Hand in Hand

The Red Balloon

Tried and True Helpful Hints

Silly Stories: about kids and the things they do and say

Out and About: Events and Places of Interest

Festivals

Museums

Wildlife Management Areas

Zoos

Gardens

Camp Grounds

Theme Parks

Farms/U Pick Place

Recipes

Kid Friendly Nutrition

Recommended Toys

After School Programs

Art

Cooking

Circus Fun

Resource for Home Schoolers

Parents choose to home school for many reasons. Imparting a particular set of values, allowing their children to learn at their own pace, and providing enrichment activities not available in the public school setting are among them.

But some parents have concerns about home schooling as well. They want their children to spend time with other kids, especially if they have no siblings. They may not feel confident to teach all subject areas, or they can’t imagine spending all day every day with their kids.

A cooperative offers the benefits of home schooling while addressing the concerns some parents may have. A place where their children are encouraged and directed in many different areas through a variety of instructors and media is a great addition to the children’s home schooling experience.

By establishing our home schooling group at Growing Places Creative Learning Center, we become part of the Growing Places community. The Growing Places mission and expectations are like the roots of a tree providing nourishment to all of the branches or programs.

The blossoms on the tree, of course, are our children, families and community.

September approaches quickly, and at this point we seek the commitment of those families wishing to be involved so that we may formulate a tentative plan for the year. Please take a moment to contact us to let us know what your intentions are so that we may proceed accordingly!

As we begin:

Mixed age classes will emphasize science, social studies, language, and the arts within the context of the thematic projects and service activities.

Projects and service based around themes parents and children select.

Parents and community members will take turns teaching, facilitating, and leading activities.

A home schooling resource center is available for parents and families.